Lori Corsak, a paraprofessional at John Pettibone School in New Milford, Conn., greets Tyler Spengler, left, and Cohen Pfeifer, as they arrive at school Monday, Aug. 26, 2013. The second-graders were in Corsak's class last year. Monday is the first day of school for New Milford public school students. less

Lori Corsak, a paraprofessional at John Pettibone School in New Milford, Conn., greets Tyler Spengler, left, and Cohen Pfeifer, as they arrive at school Monday, Aug. 26, 2013. The second-graders were in ... more

NEW MILFORD -- Monday morning broke gray and overcast, but that didn't appear to dampen the spirits of New Milford students returning to school.

As many as 4,346 students are eligible to attend New Milford Public Schools, 145 fewer than last year's 4,591 students who were enrolled on the first day. Registration numbers will be monitored and could change into October, Superintendent of Schools JeanAnn Paddyfote said.

Students came back to school in style wearing shoes from glittery silver sandals to bright yellow sneakers and carrying backpacks in an array of colors.

Parents snapped photos and school staff greeted students.

"I'm always excited," Virginia Moore, a first-grade teacher at John Pettibone School, said. "It's a happy place to be -- the enthusiasm, the love of life from these little ones."

"There's no part of the day when they're not happy and positive," she added, "willing to try whatever I throw at them."

Megan Reboira dropped off her three sons at Pettibone.

"They wouldn't sleep last night. They were so excited," Reboira, a parent volunteer and PTO member, said. "I'm very happy with the education they're receiving at Pettibone. It's a little depressing thinking the school may close. Hopefully, it will stay open."

Pettibone could be on the chopping block as the Board of Education decides how to reconfigure the district.

"Parents aren't thrilled with the idea of the school closing," said Pettibone Principal Paula Kelleher. "The school's been here for years. Many parents went to school here and now their children are here. It's a sentimental and emotional situation for many."

But, Kelleher's demeanor remained sunny as kindergartners waved hello before heading to class.

"This is one of the most fun days," Kelleher said. "Everybody's looking forward to a new year, excited to be back together. It's a nice day."

At the end of the day, Paddyfote reported a successful start at all six of the district's schools.

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"I visited all of the schools today and students were very excited to be back," she said. "Visiting classrooms was wonderful, especially with the younger children, seeing them engaged in learning their new routines."